Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) welcomed a new direct charter service by T’way Air from Daegu, South Korea, to Kota Kinabalu.
Operating four times a week - every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday – this seasonal route runs from July 24 to Aug 24.
The first flight, which landed at Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 9.35pm on Thursday, received a strong response with 182 passengers on board.
This seasonal route marks a key development in enhancing international air connectivity to Sabah and is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism from South Korea, one of the State’s key markets.
“We are thrilled to welcome T’way Air and its passengers to Sabah,” said Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board.
“This new charter flight service reflects Sabah’s position as a key destination for South Korean travellers, known for their love of tropical nature and cultural discovery.
We are confident this will be an important step in revitalising tourism flows and offering South Koreans easier access to the incredible experiences Sabah has to offer.”
As of May 2025, Sabah received 76,685 South Korean visitors, reflecting a growing demand for the State’s unique natural and cultural offerings.
This seasonal charter complements T’way Air’s existing daily service between Incheon and Kota Kinabalu, further reinforcing the airline’s commitment to the Sabah market.
Sabah offers a range of attractions perfect for South Korean tourists, including world-class diving, pristine islands, lush jungles, indigenous heritage and Mount Kinabalu – a Unesco World Heritage site.
Known for their love of eco-tourism and tropical escapes, South Korean travellers will find Sabah an ideal destination for nature and adventure.
This charter initiative is a result of close collaboration between Sabah Tourism Board, T’way Air and local tourism operators, further strengthening Sabah’s position as a must-visit destination for travellers from South Korea.
The Board is confident that this service will not only drive more immediate tourism growth but also set the stage for expanded air services in the future.
